Coastal Now Menu

Campus Recreation goes the extra mile with Fit for Life

by Morris

At Coastal Carolina University’s HTC Center, the staff hardly rests. It is not a matter of ‘if there is something to do,’ but rather, ‘when.’ One of the newest programs implemented is exclusively for faculty and staff, and it’s called the Fit for Life Challenge.

“It’s an eight-week challenge that allows departments to create teams to compete against one another,” says associate director of campus recreation and intramurals Tara Josey. “They earn points for physical activity, and the top three teams win a prize at the end.”

Points are awarded for on-campus physical activity. This can include fitness classes, a bike ride around campus or a personal workout at the gym. For every 30 minutes of activity, participants receive one point and record it at a sign-in station.

“Teams are limited to four people from departments around CCU,” says Josey. “Teams have a 6-point maximum per day for each individual team member.”

The program began on Sept. 8 for the 25 faculty/staff participants, and it will end on Halloween.

“I enjoy competition,” says current participant Allison Tanner, manager of ticketing at Wheelwright Box Office. “Seeing others go gives me some extra motivation, and I am also encouraged by my teammates.”

Shortly after Fit For Life is completed, a program called Maintain Don’t Gain will begin on Nov. 24. A full list of the fitness incentive programs can be found by visiting coastal.edu/livewell/activeliving/.

There will also be some additions to the workout equipment at the HTC Center.

“We’re adding another ‘Pec Dec’ and ‘Power Rack,’” says recreation director Jody Davis. “These are machines that are exclusive to specific muscle groups. Due to their popularity, we’ve decided to add more.”

There’s also a new machine called the Nexersys. It’s a computerized boxing machine with various features to customize a workout.

For the “outdoorsie” types, various paddleboarding and kayak tours have been planned. These sports have been growing in popularity because they provide scenic tours while working out, targeting the arm and core muscles. The ancient Hawaiians used paddleboards as a means of transportation between islands.

“We’ve added a faculty and staff exclusive kayak tour for Oct. 5,” says outdoor recreation coordinator Layne Davis. “The trip leaves from Peach Tree Landing in Socastee for a two-hour paddle on the Waccamaw River.”

Other upcoming events include a haunted kayak tour on Halloween and a trip to the National White Water Center in North Carolina on Oct. 18. Register for these outdoor events at coastal.edu/recreation/outdoors/index.html.

And as always, various fitness classes are offered daily at the HTC Center. Class types range from spinning, yoga, cardio classes, Zumba and various high-intensity training classes.

“There has been a steady increase in faculty and staff attendance at the fitness classes,” says Josey.

“I enjoy going to the gym very much,” says CCU staff member Wanda Lewis. “I enjoy being surrounded by skilled individuals in a clean, helpful and kind environment.”

Article Photos